Deschanel will appear as the singer in a stage production of the 1980 film Coal Miner’s Daughter, which originally saw Sissy Spacek take on the role of Lynn with the late Levon Helm of The Band playing her father.

Lynn announced the news last night (May 10) onstage at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, home of the original Grand Ole Opry. The two then sang a version of the film and musical’s namesake song.

Of taking on the role of Lynn, Deschanel, via the Wall Street Journal, said: “She is a true legend and to be chosen to play such an iconic woman is a dream come true.” Lynn added, “I’m going to be right there in the front row. And I know Zooey is going to be great – she sings and writes her own songs just like I do, and we even have the same colour eyes!”

It is not yet known when the New York production will open.

Loretta Lynn last released an album in 2004. ‘Van Lear Rose’ was produced by Jack White. She And Him released their third album, ‘A Very She & Him Christmas’, last year.